Mural Month to give Nambour, businesses and artists a boost

Lorraine Taylor and Keith Robb of Northcoast Locksmiths who says the emus mural on his shop in Howard Street has been great for business because everyone recognises it.

Lorraine Taylor wanted to do something to support local artists and give Nambour a well needed lift. 

So a couple of years ago she kicked-off Street Art Nambour, a murals initiative to add colour and great art to various walls around town. It’s coming around again and Lorraine has proclaimed September ‘Mural Month’ for Nambour.

“The philosophy behind is to add a positive vibe to our town and encourage street artists to step up and create a mural, which will hopefully lead to a career for them,” Lorraine said. “We also want to give exposure to the businesses in Nambour. We have a diverse community and a lot of talented people who are dedicated to the town.”

Each mural is paid for, either with a donation from a business or a resident. That money goes direct to the artist. No mural is painted without permission from the property owner and agreement with the artist. 

“Every artist struggles to get exposure and I know this personally, having started my career as a signwriter over 45 years ago,” said Lorraine.  

Since the initial Street Art Festival in 2018, the not-for-profit Street Art Nambour have created 18 murals, some in the CBD, some at local schools and one at Nambour Crushers. The standard of the art created was recognised in the Australian Street Art Awards last September with Nambour accepted as a major mural town.

 “It helps give Nambour a positive image, creates a destination and eventually will be the  hub of a Street Art Trail that will incorporate all the Hinterland towns, vital in these days of COVID  and the subsequent loss of trade,” said Lorraine.

 “We are also adding to our map, local micro breweries and distilleries in the aim to link the art of  brewing with the art of street art. We encourage everyone to get behind this project and donate either a wall or a donation to pay an artist.”

• Email Lorraine at streetartnambour@gmail.com for more information.